Lying on stomach during radiation?

Question fromAnna:
My mom is getting radiation lying on her stomach with her breast hanging. Is this just as effective as the more usual way?

Answers -Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.
Yes, it is. I've used this technique in women who have large breasts. It's called the prone position way of treating breast cancer, and it's an innovative way to do it if someone is large-breasted. Technically challenging, but there is nothing wrong with this technique. It's used in many parts of the country.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.